We have your holiday giving ideas covered with stylish pieces — many by our favourite local designers or in support of a good cause.
Yorkdale FashionCAN
This mother of all mall has made it pretty darn easy to shop Canadian this holiday season and we’re liking it. Their spiffy new wing in partnership with CAFA — that would be the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards — has a gaggle of Canadian designers sharing space. Favourites include Jennifer Torosian, Greta Constantine, Mikhael Kale, UNTTLD…we could go on. Shop your hearts out until Dec. 30.
Uncuffed Leather
We want basically everything from this local label. Leather lovers will fall hard for harnesses and more that straddle the line between perfectly pretty and badass. The rose leather body harness ($280) is particularly stunning, but if you’re feeling less bold, the buttery soft leather necktie ($75) will be the envy of all your girlpals.
Bazzul
Anytime we find two-in-one deals, it’s safe to say we go nuts. Bazzul, a Toronto-based line, is all about the reversible jersey dress, resulting in pieces that are not only super comfy, but can make an appearance or two during the holiday party scene. Did we mention they’re made from recycled textile ends? Gold star stuff here.
Betty Barbs
Sometimes you’ve had your fill of the oh-so-pretty strands of jewellery spotted across the décolletages and lobes of Toronto’s primo hipsters. At Betty Barbs, thankfully, it’s all about standing out. The minimal designs examine jewellery from a new perspective—think faux pearl septum rings ($50) and circular ear cuffs ($125) that’ll make the weirdo in your life (you?) super happy.
Evergreen Brick Works Holiday Makers Market
We do love supporting Canadian artisans and fortunately, the Holiday Makers Market at the Evergreen Brick Works has paired up with Etsy to make shopping a breeze. Wow everyone at that office Secret Santa with snazzy gifts like a pom pom puppy charm from Furpoms, natural handsoaps and body butters from Terra Soap Co., or stained glass prisms from PenumbraGlassworks (ok, maybe that last one’s not for your coworker). Dec. 10-23, with some vendors remaining until Jan. 8 post-Xmas.
Iris Denim
Sometimes it pays to be particular. So when the ladies behind T.O.‘s Iris Denim decided to create their own jean label, they made sure it was exactly what they had been forever searching for. The result? A coolgirl jean with a high waist and skinny leg, inspired by none other than Joan Jett. Of the three washes available, we’re feeling the classic dark blue stretch pair most of all ($185).
Jordan de Ruiter
Traipsing around the city in winter is far less painful when you know you’re rocking pretty underlings. This adorable bralette complete with heart appliqués announcing CALL ME is just the ticket. And don’t get your, um, panties in a twist—it’s made in Toronto.
Fidelity
Who said you have to celebrate the holidays in a dress? In our books denim is a party staple. With these handsome copper-hued puppies from Fidelity (founded by Canuck Jason Trotzuk) pant-lovin’ ladies can feel festive while sidestepping any kind of sequined frock ($280). Or just throw one on top, for good measure.
Holt Renfrew: H Project: Uncrate South America
The H Project by Holt Renfrew aims to keep traditional craftsmanship alive and support artisan in far flung locations. Its latest chapter focuses on goods from South America and the results are magnificent. The handmade Mola Sala handbags (from $460) hail from the Northern parts of Panama and Colombia, and will be the perfect addition to any LBD. Also, this Ecuadorian-made Valdez Panama hat covered with worry dolls ($298) is the best thing of life. Who doesn’t want a hat with tiny people dancing across it?
Me to We
Craig and Marc Kielburger—those always do-good brothers—have now made it easy to pick up feel-good handcrafted goods. This collaboration with Fossil results in a jazzed-up watch with a traditional beaded strap ($175) that’s been handmade in Kenya. Each watch purchased helps empower women in Free The Children communities to become entrepreneurs.
